With an impressive pedigree of building eco housing, Gusto Homes has installed Herschel far infrared radiators at a development in Lincolnshire. The Edge is a community of energy-efficient three and four bedroom homes that have been designed and specified to exceed the requirements of current building regulations; running costs are estimated to be no more than an average of £1 per day for space heating, hot water and lighting.

In the past, Gusto Homes has installed gas central heating in houses. At The Edge, the exceptionally high thermal mass and super-insulated nature of the structure, which is triple-glazed and virtually airtight, means that the space heating demand is incredibly low so an alternative form of heating was sought. Infrared heating was the obvious solution as it saved the need for gas to be laid into the development, is easy to install and complements the hot water system, Water is heated by an electric immersion heater taking energy from solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of each home.

Herschel’s range of panel heaters is versatile. The panels are available in a wide variety of different sizes and power outputs while operating at a fraction of the cost of traditional heating and offering higher levels of thermal comfort. Herschel supplied the Inspire 750W panel heaters for the living areas and Select 450W panel heaters for other areas. Although most panels were white, a choice of finish was offered; a picture or mirror. Gusto Homes opted for a picture of the sun for the show home as this helps educate potential buyers on the advantages of infrared heating.

The panels are ceiling-mounted to provide a clean look and uncluttered wall space. To maximise efficiency and comfort, Herschel iQ control – powered by lightwave technology – provides full time and temperature control zoning for each room, along with automated control via an app and computer.

Steff Wright, Gusto Homes’ chief executive, comments: “Infrared heating was the logical choice at The Edge and, looking at the market, Herschel obviously has the experience and understanding of the technology. Herschel has supplied a good product and has met everything we’ve needed. I’ve had no issues at all and the product is perfect for the energy efficient ‘fabric first’ approach we’ve taken in designing and specifying the homes. The feedback we’ve had from the house buyers is really positive.”

For further information, please call 01743 760 059 or visit www.herschel-infrared.com.